Rhea Cohen

Rhea Mittleman Cohen was born in Hurley Hospital in 1938, and spent many years of her life in Flint. The first-born daughter of Ruddy and Bernice Mittleman, she graduated from Flint Central High School and headed off to Stephens College to study fashion design. After transferring to Michigan State University, she met her future husband, William Cohen (zt”l), also born and raised in Flint. William (zt”l) worked for Rhea’s father at Ace Furniture and Rhea became a homemaker, raising three children while organizing charity functions where she designed the themes and often played the piano. She sang in the Temple Beth El Choir. Her love of music was continuous.

The three children went in different directions and Rhea and Bill (zt”l) moved to Boca Raton, Florida, leading a very active life there until Bills death in 2013. Rhea decided to move to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2014 settling in Sun City West, a destination she came to love. She continued to play the piano and became active in Club Shalom. World travel also played a part in her bucket list. Rhea is survived by her three children, Kelly Cohen Rostan (Gary); Kathy Cohen Gassman (Edmund (zt”l); Mark Cohen, grandchildren Adam Rostan; Brett and Abbi Gassman; Zack and Anna Cohen; her sister, Arlene Mittleman Bunis; and nieces and nephews. All will miss her piano playing where singing along was a great joy. 

A graveside service will be held at Machpelah Cemetery at 10:00 am on Sunday morning October 15, 2023. May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to ACLU, HIAS or Planned Parenthood will be appreciated.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com